Broncos LB Von Miller Has a New Diet, Renewed Focus
Von Miller addressed the media as the Denver Broncos begin their first series of offseason workouts at team headquarters, and he looks slimmer, sounds more focused, and more driven than ever to help the team win a title and be the best player he can be.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting year.”
Miller talked about everything from his new scheme fit with Wade Phillips to the diet that he’s taken up (we’ll talk about that later) and it seems like he’s in a great spot both mentally and physically as we head into the season. He says he thinks the new system is going to be a big benefit to him.
“Everything we’re doing here fits in with what I do best.”
So what is it exactly that Miller does best? Obviously, that means rushing the quarterback. Wade Phillips has a very exciting opportunity on his hands to have both DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller on the same team with guys like Antonio Smith and Malik Jackson up front causing trouble for opposing offenses. Miller is the type of player that, entering his contract year, can be an absolute force for the Broncos’ defense.
Playing between 245 and 255 pounds, Miller has proven since he was drafted in 2011 out of Texas A&M that he’s an absolute superstar in this league, but he’s ready to take a J.J. Watt-like leap this season with a stronger, leaner self.
“I think I’ll be in better shape than what I was last year. I was in pretty good shape last year but, to go to another level of it it’s how far you can push yourself, how much you can better yourself…”
And how does one do that?
“Sometimes you just gotta step away from the burgers and stuff.”
Not only has Miller’s diet off the field changed, but his role on it has changed a bit as well. No longer is Miller just the guy who goes out, tries his darnedest to hit the person carrying the ball, and if he made a mistake that was the end of it.
The star linebacker acknowledges that now, his role is going to be more of knowing what’s going on around him, being able to stay accountable to his teammates by knowing what’s going on everywhere at all times.
“Now, I’m more into a leadership role, I’m more accountable to my guys around me where they can depend on me. Whatever it is I’m supposed to be doing I’m going to get it done. With that, you know what plays you can make and you know what plays you gotta make sure you do your assignment…”
I got the impression that Miller is, indeed in one of the best places he could be in mentally and physically. It felt like a team leader was approaching the podium and that’s something the Broncos really need to see from a guy who was not in the best place just two years ago.
It seems as though Miller has made a few major changes for the better.